One injured after train strikes tractor-trailer at Sussex railroad crossing

2016-07-14T20:37:38Z2016-07-14T20:38:34Z

(Source: Google Maps)

SUSSEX, VA (WWBT) -

A heavily traveled roadway through Sussex was closed Thursday afternoon after Virginia State Police said a train struck a tractor-trailer, causing the truck to spill its load just off U.S. Route 460.

According to investigators, A tractor trailer hauling a load of rocks was traveling westbound along Route 40 (West Main Street) when the driver attempted to cross the railroad tracks when the railroad signal arms came down and struck the trailer portion of the truck.

Moments later, a train struck the trailer, spilling the truck's load of rocks across the roadway.

Two vehicles were hit by debris, and nearby railroad equipment was damaged.

Officials with Norfolk Southern are en route to the accident scene. One person was flown from the scene for treatment of injuries.

As traffic was being detoured, a second tractor-trailer ended up in a ditch as it tried to navigate the detour road (Mayfield Road), which has left one lane of Route 460 eastbound shut down.